Status Update 2018

As Kyle navigates the treacherous terrain of adolescence following his parents’ separation, he finds solace in the unlikely friendship with Lonnie, a kindred spirit who shares his struggles. However, their bond is put to the test when Derek, the school’s self-proclaimed hockey hero, reduces Kyle’s phone to a pile of shattered glass, leaving him feeling defeated and helpless. It’s then that a mysterious bearded individual (Josh Ostrovsky) approaches him at the local mall, offering a tantalizing solution: a new phone with an enigmatic app called “your universe”. The bearded man warns Kyle that every written word will manifest into reality, setting off a chain reaction of events that will change his life forever.

Kyle’s initial curiosity turns to excitement when he writes a simple wish on the phone - “my dad and my car arrived from Cali, how crazy!” - only to wake up the next morning to find his car parked outside. As news of his newfound power spreads, Kyle confides in Lonnie about the app’s seemingly magical properties. Together, they stumble upon a school choir audition notice, which sparks Kyle’s desire to sign up and showcase his hidden talent. With a bold declaration written on the phone - “I am a classically trained singer” - he takes the stage, much to the surprise of his teacher, Mr. Moody (John Michael Higgins), and Dani (Olivia Holt), who is taken aback by his unexpected display.

As Kyle’s reality becomes increasingly distorted, he returns to the bearded man at the mall, sharing tales of the app’s unpredictable nature. The wise sage offers words of caution: every written word will become a permanent fixture in his life, leaving no room for regret or deletion. With this newfound understanding, Kyle faces another unexpected twist when his parents (Rob Riggle and Wendi McLendon-Covey) surprise him with an unexpected visit, replete with stern warnings about the importance of responsibility. As he processes this whirlwind of events, Kyle retreats to his room, where he pours out his thoughts - “I sang and danced like Bruno Mars, I’ll go with Dani to the Band Slam” - foreshadowing a future filled with music, self-discovery, and the unpredictable consequences of playing with the fabric of reality.

The next day at school, Kyle unleashes his inner pop star by belting out a Bruno Mars-inspired tune in the cafeteria, leaving Dani thoroughly impressed. This sudden display of musical prowess doesn’t go unnoticed by Mr. Moody, who promptly strips Massey (Markian Tarasuik) of his choir duties. Later that day, Kyle, Dani, and Lonnie head to a local coffee shop, where they’re unexpectedly joined by Massey himself. As tensions simmer, Kyle agrees to step outside with Massey, despite Dani’s protests, and writes a cryptic message on his arm: “I fought like Bruce Lee, I finished Brian.” The confrontation culminates in a physical altercation that ends with Kyle emerging victorious.

As the drama unfolds, Kyle shares his exploits with his friends Darryl and Maxie (Brec Bassinger) over dinner. However, the evening takes a turn when Ann expresses her disapproval of Darryl’s job due to his unconventional attire – she’s none too pleased about the dog collar he wears. The conversation eventually shifts to Kyle’s recent scrap at school, which Maxie summarizes for the group.

In a moment of introspection, Kyle takes Dani on a moonlit stroll and asks her what she desires most in life. Her response is a Ferris wheel, and they spend the night riding the ups and downs together. The next day, Kyle turns his attention to Lonnie, introducing him to an innovative new app. However, Lonnie’s initial skepticism gives way to enthusiasm when Kyle hands over his prized skateboard – only for Lonnie to declare himself an expert rider. As they cruise through the school hallways and parking lot, their fun is short-lived, as Derek interrupts their skate session and ends up wiping out in a trash can.

Throughout these events, Kyle’s penchant for writing motivational messages on his arm becomes a recurring motif, with phrases like “Lonnie is an expert skateboarder” serving as a reminder of the power of positive thinking. As he navigates the challenges of high school life, Kyle continues to find creative outlets and forge meaningful connections with those around him.

As the night wears on, Kyle finds himself basking in the spotlight as the star of both the hockey team and the school. It’s a far cry from the struggling musician he was just days before, when he poured his heart out to Dani over a song she wrote. The memory of those intimate moments with Dani lingers, but it’s soon replaced by the excitement of being the center of attention.

The following day, Kyle arrives at the cafeteria, where Lonnie awaits with a birthday surprise. But just as they’re about to head out to meet her parents at a Greek restaurant, Charlotte and the rest of the team burst in, inviting Kyle to join them for Cassie’s party that night. With his social calendar suddenly filled, Kyle finds himself jumping from one celebration to another.

First, he arrives at Lonnie’s house, where she’s transformed into a Native American princess. The scene shifts abruptly when they arrive at Cassie’s party, where Charlotte has morphed into a vampire and Derek into a zombie. Amidst the chaos of costumed revelers, Kyle learns that Charlotte has dumped him, leaving him reeling.

Later that evening, as he’s meeting Lonnie’s parents at the Greek restaurant, Kyle faces another blow when they accuse him of fabricating his friendship with Lonnie. Feeling vulnerable and hurt, he seeks solace in Charlotte, only to find himself seduced by her charms and sharing a passionate kiss.

As the weight of betrayal settles in, Kyle’s (character) world begins to crumble. The discovery of his infidelity on social media sparks a maelstrom of emotions within Dani, culminating in a bitter confrontation that leaves a trail of devastation in its wake. Feeling the sting of her wrath, Kyle attempts to make amends with Lonnie, but his apology is met with resistance and hostility, as if he’s attempting to cure a virus with a defective vaccine.

Kyle’s subsequent dinner date at Charlotte’s house only serves to exacerbate his misery, as he’s subjected to a barrage of condescending remarks from her parents. Mr. Alden (Martin Donovan), in particular, proves to be a masterclass in disdain, branding Kyle a “hippie” and a “brute” with a dismissive sneer. As the evening wears on, Charlotte’s mother, Katherine Alden (Famke Janssen), insinuates herself into the gathering, her presence marked by an air of subtle menace.

As Kyle makes his hasty exit from the dinner party, he finds himself fleeing not only Charlotte’s house but also his own sense of self-worth. His subsequent search for the bearded man at the mall yields nothing, a cruel reminder that some wounds run too deep to heal overnight.

Back home, Kyle is confronted with yet another source of pain as Maxie reveals the truth about his parents’ tumultuous relationship. The revelation sends Kyle reeling, leaving him feeling lost and adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

In Mr. Moody’s class, Dani’s (character) angelic voice is a balm to Kyle’s battered soul, but even this fleeting respite from his troubles is short-lived. As the tension between them builds, Kyle makes the fateful decision to quit the team, a move that sends ripples of shock and sadness throughout the group.

Later that night, as the Hockey team celebrates their victory, Kyle is confronted by Massey, who accuses him of being a “fraud” and a “liar.” The ensuing melee culminates in Massey’s violent outburst, which leaves Kyle reeling. As he looks on helplessly, Dani calls him a moron and reminds him of the tender moment they shared after the Ferris wheel ride, leaving Kyle feeling like a man adrift in a stormy sea.

Here’s my rephrased version of the section:

As the morning unfolds, Anne notices a somber Kyle, struggling to muster enthusiasm for school. She probes deeper, and Kyle’s melancholy demeanor reveals a deep sense of regret, stemming from past mistakes that have left him feeling weighted by guilt. His mother offers words of wisdom about the perils of social media, a timely reminder in today’s digitally driven world. Meanwhile, breakfast at home proves a tense affair, with Darryl still reeling from his own existential crisis. Kyle’s frustration boils over into an argument with his brother, who feels neglected and resentful since their family relocated. Kyle’s words sting, as he accuses Darryl of not truly caring for him or wanting to stay in their home. This emotional turmoil serves as a precursor to the drama that unfolds later.

As Anne departs, Maxie seeks forgiveness for past mistakes, a poignant moment of introspection and self-awareness. Her apology sets the stage for a visit to Lonnie’s house, where Kyle is warmly received by his friend’s parents. However, this convivial atmosphere soon gives way to tension as Lonnie remains upset with Kyle, refusing to let go of their earlier disagreements. A playful joke from Kyle helps to diffuse the situation, and Lonnie gradually warms up. This thawing of emotions proves short-lived, though, as Kyle encounters a downcast Derek, his friend’s sadness palpable.

Kyle attempts to apologize to Derek, but his efforts are met with silence. Undeterred, he turns his attention to Dani, who is lost in thought, her melancholy demeanor a stark contrast to the joyful atmosphere surrounding them. Kyle decides to intervene, and his actions earn him a place beside her in the hallway. Charlotte appears, inquiring about Kyle’s intentions regarding their friendship, to which he responds with a firm “no,” signaling the end of that chapter. As Kyle exits the scene, he wishes Derek good luck in an upcoming game.

The day of the game arrives, and Kyle takes to the ice with skill and aplomb. However, his athletic prowess is short-circuited by a brutal hit from an opposing player, leaving him clutching his arm in agony. In the aftermath of this brutal tackle, the Hockey coach loses faith in their team’s chances of winning, but Derek refuses to give up. He offers to complete the game, and Kyle pretends to be injured, allowing Lonnie to assist him off the ice. Dani joins them, her presence a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

As they navigate the presentation stage, Mr. Moody’s nerves get the better of him, prompting Dani to lash out in frustration. Kyle seizes the opportunity, joining her on stage as they begin to sing in harmony. This impromptu performance has far-reaching consequences, as the “your universe” application presents Kyle with an unexpected choice: delete his entire world or preserve it. His decision sets off a chain reaction that leaves Dani oblivious to their earlier connection.

As the curtain closes on this surreal episode, congratulations pour in from all quarters. Kyle apologizes to Dani, expressing hope that their paths will cross again. Her response is identical, and they share a tender moment before parting ways.